Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has proposed that the United States be renamed “América Mexicana” or “Mexican America,” in a sharp response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” Sheinbaum’s remarks, delivered during a press briefing on Wednesday, combine historical references with a pointed critique of Trump’s rhetoric.
Historical Context Behind the Proposal
Standing before a 1607 map depicting territories of northern Mexico and parts of what is now the United States, Sheinbaum highlighted the historical connections between the two countries. Referring to the Constitution of Apatzingán, a foundational Mexican document, she remarked that the region was once known as “Mexican America.”
“Why don’t we call it ‘Mexican America’? It sounds nice, no?” she quipped. Her comments pointedly underscore the shared history of the region, particularly before the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the U.S.-Mexican War and ceded significant Mexican territory to the United States.
Sheinbaum also reminded her audience that the Gulf of Mexico’s name has been internationally recognised since the 17th century. José Alfonso Suárez del Real, a historian and one of her advisors, elaborated on this during the press briefing, explaining that the Gulf has been a critical nautical point for centuries. The name, he added, long predates the arrival of British colonists in what is now the United States.
Trump’s Provocation and Sheinbaum’s Response
Trump’s comments, made during a press conference on Tuesday, described the proposed name “Gulf of America” as having “a beautiful ring.” He also used the opportunity to criticise Mexico, accusing the country of being controlled by drug cartels and failing to curb illegal immigration into the U.S. Trump’s rhetoric, often invoking phrases like “invasion” to describe migration, has echoed conspiracy theories such as the “reconquista,” which falsely claim that Mexican Americans aim to reclaim southwestern U.S. territories for Mexico.
In her response, Sheinbaum dismissed Trump’s claims with a sharp retort: “In Mexico, the people rule.” Her remarks signal a refusal to be cowed by Trump’s provocations and set the tone for what is likely to be a fraught diplomatic relationship.
Defending Mexican Sovereignty and Rights
Sheinbaum’s playful remarks also carried serious undertones, particularly in the context of Trump’s planned policies. His administration has proposed mass deportations and sweeping tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. Sheinbaum has already indicated that Mexico will defend itself against economic and political threats. She warned that retaliatory tariffs would follow if Trump’s proposals to tax Mexican goods come to fruition, describing such measures as harmful to both economies.
Sheinbaum has also committed to defending the rights of Mexicans in the United States. In light of Trump’s past immigration policies and rhetoric, Mexico’s government has sent strong signals that it will act to protect its citizens and challenge any human rights abuses stemming from deportation policies.
A Troubled History Revisited
Sheinbaum’s reference to the historical term “Mexican America” also draws attention to the U.S.-Mexican War and its long-lasting consequences. The 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which handed large swaths of Mexican territory to the United States, promised protections for Mexican citizens in the newly acquired lands. However, these promises were largely unfulfilled, as Mexican Americans faced decades of racial discrimination and violence.
By invoking these historical injustices, Sheinbaum subtly highlighted the deep-rooted inequalities that continue to affect Mexican Americans and Mexican migrants in the U.S. Her remarks also serve as a reminder of the shared history and intertwined futures of the two nations.
The Road Ahead for Mexico-U.S. Relations
Sheinbaum’s remarks, while humorous, signal her administration’s resolve to counter Trump’s often combative rhetoric with firmness and wit. However, as analysts have noted, humour alone will not suffice. Mexico will need to engage seriously with the U.S. on critical issues such as trade, immigration, and security.
The president’s handling of this early provocation has been seen as a calculated move to project strength without escalating tensions unnecessarily. Her reliance on history, combined with a defence of international norms, positions Mexico as a nation unwilling to bow to external pressures.
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